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28th September 2009

Build Homes 'Fit For Purpose'

A survey published this week has found that new-build properties in Britain are smaller than anywhere else in the UK.

In a survey of 2,249 homeowners, whose properties were built between 2003 and 2006, 44% revealed they did not have enough space for small children to play safely while food is prepared.

Almost half claimed they did not have enough room for their furniture, while more than a third said there was not enough space in the kitchen for appliances.

Commenting, North East MSP Alex Johnstone said "Planning pressure in Aberdeenshire has lead to a trend towards building more and more homed on progressively smaller plots and there is a real danger that if we succeed in getting much needed additional affordable housing  in the Mearns, this trend towards miniaturisation may be continued."

"The fact that the average room size in these properties is just 15.8m2 in comparison to Greece which enjoys average room sizes of 39.5m2 speaks volumes. We must achieve a better balance between profit and purpose, so that new properties are fit to live in and provide adequate living and storage space for the occupants."

"I believe the planning system needs to take a far more holistic view of house building, that recognises the potentially negative impacts on the family when living in accommodation with rooms that are simply too small."

"On top of this, instead of building flats and houses of exactly the same style up and down the country, I believe that planners should demand that new properties in residential areas reflect the existing architecture of the area. At the moment, exactly the same blocks of flats can be found in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and even Aviemore, and this does nothing to enhance the individual amenity of an area."